Tributes paid to recipients of New Year Honours

Fr Michael Canning, paid glowing tribute to Joan Doherty from Dunhugh park, who was one of seven recipients of an MBE, saying: “From a personal perspective and also as chairman of Waterside Churches Trust, I want to express congratulations to Joan. Joan’s contribution to the voluntary and community sector for the past long number of years has been outstanding. She has given of her time and talents and often given personal resources in that sector and without her contribution our society would be a much poorer place.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Gerard Guckian, extended his congratulations not only to Mrs Doherty, wh ois a non-executive Trustee of the Western Health Trust, but also to Cathy Glass, also one of the MBE recipients, who is the Nursing Services Manager for Trauma and Orthopaedics Services.

“This honour is truly deserved by Cathy who has always dedicated herself to providing an excellent service to our patients and the local community. Cathy is the linchpin behind our award-winning Trauma and Orthopaedic service and she always puts the patients first, which is why she is so popular with patients, relatives and colleagues that come into contact with her across the Western Trust. We are very proud of her and are delighted that she has been recognised with this award.”

Referring to Mrs Doherty, he said: “For as long as I have known her, Joan has acted tirelessly and selflessly for the benefit of the most vulnerable in our community. This award is a fitting tribute to her many years of public service.”